1. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is highlighted as a top defensive investment, offering strong dividend quality and liquidity compared to peers like VIG and VYM, despite underperforming the S&P 500 recently; 2. The ETF’s low exposure to technology and focus on defensive sectors position it as a hedge against market volatility and AI-driven disruptions; 3. Macroeconomic factors such as persistent inflation, Federal Reserve hawkishness, geopolitical risks, and seasonal market weakness reinforce SCHD’s role as a safe-haven asset.